A Few Shopping Tips for Farmers' Market Shopping

The Lebanon Farmers' Market is up and running for the season. It’s located at Colburn Park (51 North Park
St.) on Thursdays from 4 to 7pm through September 28.

This early in the season,
fresh local produce comprises primarily spring lettuces, peas, and radishes.
However, you can always find local maple syrup, honey, and jams for sale. Plus
you can check out local crafters and enjoy tunes from area musicians.

The market is a great way for you
to communicate with area growers about their products. Here are a few tips to
make your visit more enjoyable and productive:

Bring your own tote bag. Most vendors
have plastic bags for your use, but it’s much easier
to have one large canvas bag to hold your purchases, especially if it
can go over your shoulder. Many people bring compact personal grocery
carts that fold up nicely in the car, while others bring mini coolers on
wheels.

Put an insulated bag in your tote or have a cooler
ready in the car to hold perishable purchases such as meat and eggs.

Walk around the whole market first before making purchases.
That way you can see what is available and compare prices. There’s nothing
worse than buying tomatoes and then finding ones that look better and are less
costly at another stand. After a couple of visits, you will pick your
favorite stands to visit each week.

Talk to the vendors. Ask them where and how their
produce is grown. Also, ask for recipes. Most are happy to share their
expertise.

If you use an EBT card at the
Lebanon market, you will also get up to $10 in additional Granite State Market
Match to spend as well.

There are listings not only for markets
all over the Upper Valley but also for many other locally grown food outlets such
as farm stands, community supported agriculture opportunities, pick-your-own farms,
restaurants, and more.

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